U.S. Learning Disability & Mental Health Career Roadmap

 

1. Entry-Level Roles

• Direct Support Professional (DSP)

  • Training: High school diploma, on-the-job training

  • Certification: Optional

  • Workplaces: Group homes, day programs, residential facilities

• Behavioral Health Technician / Mental Health Technician

  • Training: High school diploma; some programs require online courses or continuing education

  • Certification: Optional or state-required

  • Workplaces: Hospitals, clinics, residential facilities

• Vocational Trainer / Support Specialist

  • Training: Trade school, workshops, or community college courses

  • Certification: Optional

  • Workplaces: Community centers, vocational schools

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2. Mid-Level / Specialist Roles

• Learning Disabilities Specialist

  • Training: Bachelor’s in Special Education or related field

  • Certification: Optional

  • Workplaces: Schools, tutoring centers

• Educational Therapist

  • Training: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Education, Special Education, or related field

  • Certification: Optional

  • Workplaces: Schools, private practice

• Case Manager

  • Training: Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, or psychology

  • Certification: Optional

  • Workplaces: Community agencies, healthcare providers

• Recreational Therapist

  • Training: Bachelor’s in Recreational Therapy

  • Certification: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)

  • Workplaces: Hospitals, community centers, schools

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3. Advanced / Licensed Roles

• Occupational Therapist

  • Training: Master’s in Occupational Therapy

  • Certification: Licensed OT

  • Workplaces: Clinics, hospitals, schools

• Speech-Language Pathologist

  • Training: Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology

  • Certification: Licensed SLP

  • Workplaces: Clinics, hospitals, schools

• Applied Behavior Analyst (ABA)

  • Training: Bachelor’s or Master’s + BCBA certification

  • Workplaces: Therapy clinics, schools, homes

• Mental Health Counselor / Psychologist

  • Training: Master’s (counselor) or Doctorate (psychologist)

  • Certification: LPC or state psychologist license

  • Workplaces: Clinics, hospitals, schools, research

• Psychiatric Nurse

  • Training: BSN or ADN + psychiatric nursing specialization

  • Certification: RN + mental health certification

  • Workplaces: Hospitals, clinics, mental health facilities

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4. Career Progression Example

1. Start: DSP or Mental Health Technician

2. Move to: Learning Disabilities Specialist or Educational Therapist

3. Advance to: ABA Specialist, Occupational Therapist, or Speech-Language Pathologist

4. Senior/Leadership: Clinical Supervisor, Program Manager, or Licensed Psychologist